Evolution of the black experience
American history; Black history; African-American history; Afro-American history; Negro history; emancipation; slavery; Africa.
The evolution of the Black experience has traveled more than four centuries, creating a tapestry of artists, musicians, writers, scientists, mathematicians, civil leaders, inventors and even a president, to deliver us where we are today.
The rich, cultural history of African Americans has been the productive undercurrent of this country. Its economic strength was built on the backs of our ancestors from the Mother Land.
Yet, despite the immense contributions and the world-class benchmarks that African Americans of the past have set, many blacks from generations past often pose a question: What is this generation doing to make its mark on the historical timeline of America?
I would like to think the question would have been answered Nov. 4, 2008, when President Barack Obama was elected the 44th Commander-in-Chief of the United States; however, there are several that would disagree.
An argument of those that oppose this is that black America cannot simply sit back and ride the coattails of President Obama's appointment and that young African-Americans, which appear to remain stagnant, are allowing the world — and opportunity — to pass them by.
I can agree on the fact that stagnancy will eventually lead to the demise of any group, especially one that is already crippled by a number of significant problems. I was taught that anything that isn't growing is, in fact, dying.
But I don't think this is an issue for this forthcoming generation of African-Americans.
This generation is doing the same thing that generations of the past have done. Historically, when change was needed, there were those who stepped up to the plate.
President Obama saw a need for change and acted upon it. Not unlike his predecessors, he dared to dream the impossible.
He was not alone.
Just 15 years after Tupac Shakur, a martyr in the hip-hop community, vocalized his controversial yet candid verse ‘we ain't ready, to see a black president' on his song entitled ‘Changes,' the impossible happened. President Obama, The black version of Generation Y, and a host of others defied the notion of ‘black is whack, white is right' and caused an upheaval in the way things were. President Obama and company utilized the techniques found in his grassroots organizer past and successfully translated that into a nationwide campaign. Suddenly black America had a renewed sense of faith in the future, chanting about change.
I'm not sure if President Obama had a ‘mountain-top' experience, or if he just thought America needed something new; what I do know is that somewhere between 2007 and 2009, the black communities of this country came together, the same way our progenitors did in the past, and demanded change.
And that's the ebb and flow of Africa-America; things may seem dismal, even to the point of extinction, yet somehow they find a way to thrive.
The struggle for blacks may seem never ending but as sure as flowers bloom in the springtime and harvest comes in the fall, growth will eventually meet change.
This Black History Month, I encourage African Americans to continue to grow; because you never know when it will be your time to make your mark in history.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
More thenewsargus News Articles
- CAMPUS CREW; What do you think about the new arrangement in the cafeteria?
- Welcome back Ram Family
- ‘Empire’ vs ‘Black-ish’
- A final Look Editor's Column: Leap of faith
Recent thenewsargus News Articles
Discuss This Article
MOST POPULAR THENEWSARGUS
WSSU Rams Head Football Coach Relieved of His Duties By Elijah Richardson
Bennett College Loses Accreditation Despite Raising Sufficient Funds By Elijah Richardson
Smollett Investigation Continues To Be Unsolved and Difficult to Resolve By Elijah Richardson
Lady Rams look to reverse an abysmal 2014-2015 season By Demetrius Dillard
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
LATEST THENEWSARGUS
- Black Business
- WSSU Rams Head Football Coach Relieved of His Duties
- Controversial Wake Forest Tweet Sparks Outrage
- Bennett College Loses Accreditation Despite Raising Sufficient Funds
- Smollett Investigation Continues To Be Unsolved and Difficult to Resolve
- UREC Looks To Continue and Improve Student Engagement Through Physical...
- University Recreation To Hold Personal Training Pilot Study
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
RECENT THENEWSARGUS CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- Moving Resources For Military Families
- Historic Agreement Signed By Red Cross and Armed Forces
- Salonpas® Brand Stands the Test of Time
- Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring
- Upgraded Upstate Power Grid Will Deliver a Smarter,...
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- Youth Apprenticeship Week Spotlights Opportunities
- New Expo Showcases AI Innovation
- Self-Care and Mental Health Tips for Caregivers
- Adventure Awaits: Discover the Playset that Brings...
- Need Auto Glass Repair? Don’t Despair
- Pioneering Fast and Affordable Broadband for the Underserved
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Guidenar Launches New Career Test for Gen Z
- GotIt! Education Offers MathGPT Free to All State & Community Colleges
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK